JULIUS KNIGHT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2134, 17 July 1907, Page 2

JULIUS KNIGHT.

"BRIGADIER GERARD.”

Racy, brilliant action, life and color, and stirring situations are tlio outstanding features of Gorard,” presented to a bunipoi house at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening by tlio Julius Knight Coninanv. It is a romantic comedy in four acts, and in tlio creation oil Arthur Conan Dovle lias achieved a triumph, in which ho makes the nieco carry an audionco along «itn it l'rom start to finish. it is something to quicken the pulse and stn the heart with its clash oi sword and sabre, and its martial environment, and from tlio oponing of the farst act there is not a dull moment. 1“° drama is a happy conception, and is a delightful picture of tho days when the Allies woro in Paris. Tho Uorard of tho filay is a boasting, swaggering blustering bravo, consumed with conceit of himself, and yet bravo anil loyal to tho core, and tho drawing of this character is tho main thing of tho drama. For conspicuous bravery in [Spain, and for various dangerous missions well performed, tie rul'd is made tlio trusted agent or the Emperor, and brags of his exploits to brother officers of the Tiussars, who lead him on by a pretence of taking him at his own valuation. Discovering tho decojition, Gorard quickly has half-a-dozen duels fixed for the following morning, but ere dawn he is despatched on a secret mission by tho Emperor to 1 aris to receive those papers famous in history from tho Comtesse do Roquoiairo, and is obliged to leave his brother officers stigmatising him as a coward. At the opening of the second act Gerard, in civilian diess, blunders into the Comtesse s boudoir. and is rocognisod as soldier by a footman, a member of I alleyland’s secret service, and while Gerard awaits in the garden tno papers aro taken by force by tho secret agents of Talleyrand. After a —oat scone with tho Comtesse, and declaring love for her, and upbraiding her for the loss of tho documents, Gerard obtains admission to Talleyrand s house, is recognised in a moment-, and tricked anil bound. But by a pretty deception the Comtesse and Gorard turn the tables, and bind and gag Talleyrand, pack him in a cabinet, and consign him to Napoleon’s headquarters, while Gerard escapes. Wearing Talloyrand’s coat, Gerard repairs to his royal master, ignorant that ho has about him the momentous papers, and is abused as a bungler and a fool, while Napoleon increclulously ridicules the story of tho cabinet, seeing that it has arrived without its living freight-. Just as all seems blackest, and as Gorard, finding that lie has lost tho confidence of his Emperor and regiment, is •thinking of taking his life, tho Comtesse arrives with tlio news that Napoleon lias learned the truth. For a moment tho happy issuo is delayed while Gerard begins his numerous duels, but the t-imoly arrival of the Emperor, Gerard’s promotion to tho rank of Brigadier, and his betrothal to the Comtesse, lead to a pretty conclusion. Mr. Julius Knight, in tho title role, gave a finished interpretation of the swashbuckler, tho hot-headed braggart, the impetuous lover, and loyal agent, who through sheer good luck blundered into success. In the scenes where Gerard forgets conceit and rates tho Comtesse, and in his foolish attempt to beard the cunning fox, Talleyrand, in his home, Julius Knight was splendid, and his pourtrayal a veritable masterpiece. Next in importance to Gerard was that of the part of Napoleon. In this character Mr. Herbert AVillis has to give expression to Napoleon’s varying moods —a towering rage one moment, afflicted with remorse and haunted by memory the next —while lie has also to represent the Emperor in his playful mood. The character was no light one to sustain, and Mr. AVillis gave a good interpretation of his art, more especially in the serious vein. The character of Talleyrand was a feature of the performance, to which Mr. Leslie Victor did the fullest justice. As the Comtesse de Roquelaire, Miss Marion Grey did admirable • Mr. Harry Plimmer made a splendid Major Oliver; while as D’Albert (Talleyrand’s-agent), Mr. Rupert Julian did most creditably. Miss Dorothy Sydney pave a pretty interoretation of Agnes (tho Comtesse’s faithful maid); while the minor characters were all in able hands. The piece was splendidly staged, and effects were most realistic. Hearty applause was frequent throughout, and the play may undoubtedly be classed as an unqualified success.

"ROBIN HOOD.” - Gisborne theatregoers will to-night say farewell to Mr. Julius Knight and company in the dramatic romance “Robin Hood.” A charming story, with a flavor of the historic, and a breath or two of the poetry of the woods, vigorous action, deeds of knight-errantry, an atmosphere of Merry England in the good old days, such are the component parts of the new piece. “Robin Hood” is frankly offered as a play to please, when costumes were not mere clothes but things of grace and color, when love was told in poetic speech. Around the popular story of Robin Hood’s career there hangs a glamor that has never been dimmed. Idealised the outlaw of Sherwood forest is, of course, as he alway has been. The tale of his love for Maid 'Marion and of her love for him has often been told, and here in the stage-version is not ill-told. “Robin Hood,” with its woodland setting, and its invasion of kingly halls, lends itself to lavish mounting. Mr. Julius Knight in the title role gives a fine performance. His conception is worthy of the ideal —the forester-prince of manly mien and infinitely tender mood. In the arduous wooing of Marion, Mr Knight grows eloquent. In the vigor of his dramatic, scenes ho is forceful, impressive, earnest. He stirs his audience to a marked degree or holds them rapt at will. This play should prove a delightful one in which to bid the popular actor and company good-bye.

To suit tlio convenience of those attending this evening’s perform.ance, a train will leave Gisborno at -10.45 p.m., returning from Xe Karaka at midnight.